Ultimate Hat

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses a hat or cap designed to protect a user&#39;s head, nose, and neck from exposing to sun, dust, and debris. The hat could provide support for a neck or sun shield, glasses, a dust mask, and an insert. The hat further includes a brim, a mesh, and a crown. The mesh is configured to circulate airflow for keeping the user&#39;s head cool. The crown is extended with a loop fabric on the back side to fasten the neck shield via a hook fastener. The glasses include hook fasteners on a top bar and temples and fastened to the loop fabric of the brim of the hat via the hook fasteners. The hat with the neck shield, glasses, and dust mask provides a comfort wear to the user and provides sunshade for the user&#39;s head and neck.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A. Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to a wearable product. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hat or cap designed to support multiple wearable products and protects a user's head, nose, and neck from exposing to sun, dust, and debris.

B. Description of Related Art

A hat is a head covering which is worn for various reasons, including protection against weather conditions, ceremonial reasons such as university graduation, religious reasons, safety, or as a fashion accessory. People have been using hats to protect themselves from exposing to the sun. Hats having wide brims which are common to limit sun exposure to the head and neck or to shield the wearer's eyes from the sun. Often times, hats are used as fashion accessories to complete an outfit. Wearing a hat consists of a variety of reasons ranging from protection from the weather to a ceremonial status symbol or fashion statement. Hats have been an indicator of social status in historical archives and are part of military uniforms with insignias of rank either attached or as the design of the hat itself. Helmets and hard hats offer protection in situations and dangerous environments where head injury is possible.

The history of people wearing some form of a hat dates back before 3,000 BC although records of such events are few. Some archaeologists believe that ancient sculptures depict the wearing of a hat as far back as 26,000 years ago. The earliest confirmed wearing of a hat was from a bronze age man found frozen in the mountains between Italy and Austria. The man had been there since 3,300 BC and was found wearing a bearskin cap.

Hats for sun protection along with sunglasses have always been a favored source of sun protection. The hats are made of different materials. Hats and sunglasses are particularly useful for protection from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays emanating from the sun. Doctors recommend that sunglasses be worn whenever a person is in direct sunlight to protect from not only ultraviolet light but also blue light. Both types of light could create serious eye problems. Sunglasses became popular in the early twentieth century. Later the lenses were coated to counteract and block the damaging sun's rays specifically. Issues with keeping the sunglasses clean when used in hot climates due to sweating have always been an annoying problem since the introduction of the eyewear.

When the head is wet with sweat, the glasses could become slippery and distracting for the user. Various sunshade has been used to block the sun's rays such as the cloth on the back of a hat to protect the neck from sunburn and a fabric to protect the nose. The nose is particularly vulnerable to exposure since eyewear does not protect it and the hat offers only limited protection. It is essential to keep the head covered when in bright sunlight to prevent health issues such as sunstroke, severe sunburn, and other health-related issues due to exposure to sunlight.

Breathing air contaminated with minute particles such as pollen, dust and other various substances have been known to cause respiratory issues. The typical solution to breathing in particles is to use a mask to filter out the particulate. Face masks are able to block dust and airborne particulates from entering the lungs and air passages. The masks are capable of preventing health issues caused by breathing in dust, pollen, and many fine particles encountered in the air when working outdoors.

Currently, the hat, neck shield, dust mask, and safety glasses are worn separately by the people. The hat shields the wearer's face well, but the user has to put on the neck shield before the hat is placed on the head. This could make the hat fit too snugly, making the wearing of the hat uncomfortable over time. The typical dust mask is provided with elastic loops that go over the ears and provide enough tension to pull the mask tightly against the user's face. This tension could cause uncomfortableness over time, causing the outer ears to ache. This discomfort is exacerbated when the user must wear prescription glasses and/or safety glasses. Safety glasses, when worn, also get drenched in perspiration, gather dust and debris in the perspiration stains, and could cause the ears to ache, especially when worn over prescription glasses and dust mask elastic loops.

Therefore, there is a need to provide a hat to protect the head and neck of the wearer. Further, there is a need to provide a hat that could allow the user or wearer to control the environment around the head and neck without carrying a large number of different products at all times. Further, there is also a need to provide the hat to protect the user's head and eyes from the sun while providing comfort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally discloses a wearable product. Further, the present invention discloses a hat or cap designed to support multiple wearable products and protects a user's head, nose, and neck from exposing to sun, dust, and debris.

According to the present invention, the hat could be a cap or a headgear. In one embodiment, the hat is made of a material, but not limited to, washable materials and commercially available products that have been modified to provide extra comfort and protection to the user. The hat could be worn by itself or with any or all of the sub-components to provide the optimum in comfort while protecting the user from the sun, dust, and debris. In one embodiment, the hat comprises a neck or sun shield, spectacles or safety glasses, and a dust or face mask. In one embodiment, the hat is designed to protect the wearer's head and neck in hot environments. The hat could provide support for the neck or sun shield, spectacles or safety glasses, and a dust mask.

In one embodiment, the hat could be sewn using, but not limited to, 100% polyester fabric, mesh, and thread. In one embodiment, the hat further comprises a brim and a crown. In one embodiment, the mesh or screen is configured to circulate airflow for keeping the wearer's head cool. In one embodiment, the mesh or screen could be a polyester mesh. In one embodiment, the brim could be sewn using, but not limited to, 2 layers of polyester fabric with the stitching separated by 0.25″ spacing around the periphery of the brim. In one embodiment, a loop fabric could be sewn from the ear to ear location at below the back side of the crown. In one embodiment, the extension of the 0.5″ loop fabric could provide support for the neck shield. In one embodiment, at least two patches of loop fabric are sewn onto the lower part of the brim. The two patches of the loop fabric are configured to support the glasses. In one embodiment, the hat could be supplied in almost any vibrant color with the standard color being, but not limited to, a desert tan. The base of the hat is expandable for different head sizes.

In one embodiment, the hat also provided with an insert or a cover. In one embodiment, the shape of the insert includes, but not limited to, a cup shape. In one embodiment, the insert could be made of a material, but not limited to, a molded polypropylene plastic. The insert is configured to block any winds through the mesh or screen of the hat. The insert could be placed on the crown of the hat when it is being worn on cooler, windy days.

In one embodiment, the neck or sun shield could be secured to the hat via a fastener, but not limited to, hook and loop (H&L) fastener. In one embodiment, the neck shield could be made of a material, but not limited to, a nylon loop fabric. In one embodiment, the neck shield could be fabricated from a loop fabric upon which the hook fasteners on the dust mask and safety glasses could be attached. In one embodiment, the nylon loop fabric of the neck shield comprises at 3 layers, includes an outer layer, a center layer, and an inner layer. In one embodiment, the outer layer could be, but not limited to, a nylon loop fabric, and the center layer comprises, but not limited to, EVA foam. In one embodiment, the inner layer could be, but not limited to, a nylon tricot. The nylon tricot could provide softness and comfort to the user's neck during usage. In one embodiment, the neck shield could be machine washed and it could be supplied in almost any vibrant color with the standard color being, but not limited to, desert tan to match the color of the hat.

In one embodiment, the glasses are commercially available safety or sunglasses which are molded to the manufacturer's specifications from a material, but not limited to, a polycarbonate plastic. In one embodiment, the temples of the glasses further comprise a hook fastener. The hook fastener of the temples of the glasses will grip onto the neck shield at the most comfortable position. In one embodiment, the glasses further comprise at least, but not limited to, 2 hook fasteners on the top bar of the glasses. In one embodiment, the 2 hook fasteners could be fastened to the loop fasteners of the brim of the hat.

In one embodiment, the dust mask could be sewn using at least, but not limited to, 3 layers of 100% cotton fabric. The dust mask is shaped to drape smoothly over the user's face and fit comfortably under the chin of the user. The 3 layers of cotton will remove up to 95% of dust particles larger than 15 microns in diameter, which means most dust and debris. In one embodiment, the dust mask is held in place using at least, but not limited to, four 0.5″ wide hook or elastic tapes or straps. The dust mask is positioned over the user's nose and then the hook or elastic straps are gently pressed onto the neck shield to comfortably secure it. In one embodiment, the dust mask could be supplied in almost any vibrant color with the standard color being, but not limited to, a desert tan to match the color of the hat.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and structures disclosed herein. The description of a method step or a structure referenced by a numeral in a drawing is applicable to the description of that method step or structure shown by that same numeral in any subsequent drawing herein.

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a hat worn by a user in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B shows a side view of a hat worn by a user in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the hat in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view the hat in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A shows a side view of the glasses in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B shows a front view of the glasses in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A shows a front view of the dust mask in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B shows a side perspective view of the dust mask in an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A description of embodiments of the present invention will now be given with reference to the Figures. It is expected that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.

Referring to FIG. 1A, the perspective view of a hat 100 worn by a user 102 is illustrated. In one embodiment, the hat 100 could be an innovative sun protection product. In one embodiment, the hat 100 could be a cap or a headgear. In one embodiment, the hat 100 is designed to protect the wearer's head and neck in hot environments. The user or wearer 102 no need to apply sunscreen lotions while using the hat 100. In one embodiment, the hat 100 is made of a material, but not limited to, washable materials and commercially available products that have been modified to provide extra comfort and protection. The hat 100 could be worn by itself or with any or all of the sub-components to provide the optimum in comfort while protecting the user 102 from the sun, dust, and debris. Referring to FIG. 1B, the side view of a hat 100 worn by a user 102 is illustrated. In one embodiment, the hat 100 is made of a material, but not limited to, a polyester fabric. In one embodiment, the all components of the hat 100 could be removably fastened to the hat 100.

Referring to FIG. 2, the perspective view of the hat 100 is illustrated. In one embodiment, the hat 100 comprises a neck or sun shield 106, spectacles or safety glasses 108, and a mask, or a dust or face mask 110. In one embodiment, the hat 100 is washable and is the platform upon which the neck shield 106 and safety glasses 108 are supported. In one embodiment, the neck or sun shield 106 could be secured to the hat 100 via a fastener, but not limited to, hook and loop (H&L) fastener. In one embodiment, the neck shield 106 could be fabricated from a loop fabric 114 (shown in FIG. 3) upon which the hook fasteners on the dust mask 110 and safety glasses 108 could be attached. In one embodiment, the top bar of the safety glasses 108 also has mating H&L fasteners 122 (shown in FIG. 4B) so the weight of the glasses 108 is supported by the hat 100 and the H&L fastener connection on the neck shield 106. This provides the optimum comfort to the wearer 102 (shown in FIG. 1A) while using.

Referring to FIG. 3, the exploded view the hat 100 is illustrated. In one embodiment, the hat 100 further comprises a mesh or screen 104 to circulate airflow for keeping the wearer's head cool. In one embodiment, the mesh or screen 104 could be a polyester mesh. In one embodiment, the hat 100 could be sewn using, but not limited to, 100% polyester fabric, mesh, and thread. In one embodiment, the hat 100 further comprises a brim 103 and a crown 105. In one embodiment, the brim 103 could be sewn using, but not limited to, 2 layers of polyester fabric with the stitching separated by 0.25″ spacing around the periphery of the brim 103. This stiffens of the brim 103 could retain its shape over the life of the hat 100. The crown 105 is stitched to the brim 103 after the mesh or screen 104, and a decorative band are sewn together.

In one embodiment, a loop fabric 114 could be sewn from the ear to ear location at below the back side of the crown 105. In one embodiment, the extension of the 0.5″ loop fabric 114 could provide support for the neck shield 106. In one embodiment, at least two patches of loop fabric are sewn onto the lower part of the brim 103. The two patches of the loop fabric are configured to support the glasses 108. In one embodiment, the hat 100 could be supplied in almost any vibrant color with the standard color being, but not limited to, a desert tan.

In one embodiment, the hat 100 comprises the crown or crown portion 105, a substantially rectilinear sheet of material extending from a rear peripheral edge of the crown portion to form the neck shield 106, the mask 110 adapted to cover at least a portion of the face of the user, and the safety glasses 108 adapted to be worn by the wearer. The mask 110 is detachably secured at lower side edges of the neck shield 106, and the safety glasses 108 is detachably secured at upper side edges of the neck shield 106. The crown portion 105 comprises a mesh 104 surface to provide openings to circulate airflow for keeping the user's head cool. The base of the hat 100 is expandable for different head sizes.

In one embodiment, the hat 100 also provided with an insert or a cap 116. In one embodiment, the shape of the insert 116 includes, but not limited to, a cup shape. In one embodiment, the insert 116 could be made of a material, but not limited to, a molded polypropylene plastic. The insert 116 is configured to block any winds through the mesh or screen 104 of the hat 100. The insert 116 could be placed on the crown 105 of the hat 100 when it is being worn on cooler, windy days.

In one embodiment, the neck shield 106 could be made of a material, but not limited to, a nylon loop fabric. In one embodiment, the nylon loop fabric of the neck shield 106 comprises at 3 layers, includes an outer layer, a center layer and an inner layer 107. In one embodiment, the outer layer could be, but not limited to, a nylon loop fabric, and the center layer comprises, but not limited to, EVA foam. In one embodiment, the inner layer 107 could be, but not limited to, a nylon tricot backing. The inner layer 107 could provide softness and comfort to the user's neck during usage. The nylon loop fabric allows a nylon hook fabric to be positioned anywhere on its surface and will retain the fastener at 8 pounds per square inch of attachment, which is significantly more than required for this application. In one embodiment, the neck shield 106 could be machine washed and it could be supplied in almost any vibrant color with the standard color being, but not limited to, desert tan to match the color of the hat 100.

In one embodiment, the dust mask 110 could be sewn using at least, but not limited to, 3 layers of 100% cotton fabric. The dust mask 110 is shaped to drape smoothly over the user's face and fit comfortably under the chin of the user 102 (shown in FIG. 1A). The 3 layers of cotton will remove up to 95% of dust particles larger than 15 microns in diameter, which means most dust and debris. In one embodiment, the dust mask 110 is held in place using at least, but not limited to, four 0.5″ wide hook fastener tapes or straps (124 and 126) (shown in FIG. 5B). The dust mask 110 is positioned over the user's nose and then the hook tapes or straps (124 and 126) (shown in FIG. 5B) are gently pressed onto the neck shield 106 to comfortably secure it. The inexpensive dust masks could be purchased in bulk and washed and dried like the rest of the laundry when they become soiled. In one embodiment, the dust mask 110 could be supplied in almost any vibrant color with the standard color being, but not limited to, a desert tan to match the color of the hat 100.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the side view of the glasses 106 is illustrated. In one embodiment, the glasses 108 are a commercially available safety or sunglasses which are molded to the manufacturer's specifications from a material, but not limited to, a polycarbonate plastic by a world-class safety glass manufacturer. In one embodiment, the glasses 108 could be supplied in clear, a yellow tint, or a dark grey tint for bright sunlight conditions. In one embodiment, the temples 118 of the glasses 108 further comprise a hook fastener 120. The temples 118 of the glasses 108 will be molded in a straight form and be truncated so the adhesively bonded hook fasteners 120 will grip onto the neck shield 106 at the most comfortable position. The temples 118 are hinged just behind the lens and are pinned using a thin stainless-steel wire through the molded hinges.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the front view of the glasses 106 is illustrated. In one embodiment, the glasses 108 further comprise at least, but not limited to, 2 hook fasteners 122 on the top bar of the glasses 108. In one embodiment, the 2 hook fasteners 122 could be fastened to the loop fasteners of the brim 103 of the hat 100. These 4 H&L fasteners (120 (shown in FIG. 4A) and 122) could support the glasses 108 without contacting the user's head and providing exceptional comfort during usage. Being supported a bit away from the user's face also prevents the perspiration from getting on the glasses 108 during wear, requiring much less cleaning during the day. The attached protective glasses 108 could be worn easily over existing corrective glasses. In one embodiment, the user 102 (shown in FIG. 1A) could also replace the glasses 108 with their own glasses.

Referring to FIG. 5A, the front view of the dust mask 110 is illustrated. In one embodiment, the dust mask 110 is sewn to drape across the user's nose and fit tightly under the chin of the user 102 (shown in FIG. 1A) to prevent intrusion of dust and debris while being worn. In one embodiment, the dust mask 110 is made of a material, but not limited to, a hypoallergenic fabric and a sunblock cloth. The dust mask 110 could remove a significant amount of dust and debris without restricting the breathing of the user or wearer 102 (shown in FIG. 1A).

Referring to FIG. 5B, the side view of the dust mask 110 is illustrated. In one embodiment, the dust mask 110 could be shaped to the contour of the user's face to provide optimum comfort. In one embodiment, the dust mask 110 further comprises at least, but not limited to, 2 elastic tapes or straps (124 and 126). In one embodiment, the elastic tapes or straps (124 and 126) are attached to the dust mask 110 via the H&L fastener. In one embodiment, the hook fabric straps (124 and 126) of the dust mask 110 could be placed at anywhere on the loop fabric of the neck shield 106 (shown in FIG. 3) to provide the optimum fit. In one embodiment, the dust mask 110 could be machine washed and dried for multiple re-uses.

The advantages of the present invention include the hat 100 provides sunshade for the user's head and neck. The hat 100 with the neck shield 106 (shown in FIG. 3), glasses 108 (shown in FIG. 3), and dust mask 110 (shown in FIG. 3) provides a comfort wear to the user or wearer 102 (shown in FIG. 1A). The hat 100 could be hand washed with a soap and water, and then air dried. The hat 100 with the neck shield 106 (shown in FIG. 3), and dust mask 110 (shown in FIG. 3) could be supplied in many vibrant colors. Special colors of hats, sunshades, and masks could be supplied for large crews for marketing purposes, i.e., the guys with the purple hats, etc. The nylon tricot side 107 (shown in FIG. 3) of the neck shield 106 (shown in FIG. 3) feels good against the user's skin so it could be worn for hours without discomfort. The user or wearer 102 (shown in FIG. 1A) could mix and match any or all of the components depending upon the work being conducted and the conditions within which they are working.

The hat 100 is designed to be aesthetic and effective in the application. The relative ease of manufacture and the moderately inexpensive components provide good marketability for the manufacturer. The user 102 (shown in FIG. 1A) benefits from an easy to wear the hat 100 with the neck shield 106 (shown in FIG. 3), glasses 108 (shown in FIG. 3), and the dust mask 110 (shown in FIG. 3) and significantly improved comfort, which should provide considerable market interest in the product.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

The foregoing description comprise illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings in the foregoing descriptions. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used only in generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A hat with multiple wearable components, comprising: a crown portion; a substantially rectilinear sheet of material extending from a rear peripheral edge of the crown portion to form a neck shield; a mask adapted to cover at least a portion of the face of a user, the mask detachably secured at lower side edges of the neck shield, and a safety glasses adapted to worn by the wearer is detachably secured at upper side edges of the neck shield.
 2. The hat of claim 1, wherein the crown portion comprises a mesh surface to provide openings to circulate airflow for keeping the wearer's head cool.
 3. The hat of claim 1, further comprises an insert for placing within the crown portion to block the openings of the mesh surface.
 4. The hat of claim 3, wherein the insert is made of polypropylene plastic.
 5. The hat of claim 1, wherein the mask is at least one of face mask or dust mask.
 6. The hat of claim 1, wherein the mask and safety glasses are detachably secured to the neck shield via one or more fasteners.
 7. The hat of claim 6, wherein the one or more fasteners comprises hook and loop type fastener.
 8. The hat of claim 1, at least a portion of the neck shield is fabricated from a loop fabric.
 9. The hat of claim 1, wherein the safety glasses comprises temples incorporated with the hook type fastener.
 10. The hat of claim 1, wherein the mask is shaped to drape smoothly over the user's face and fit comfortably under user's chin.
 11. The hat of claim 1, wherein the mask comprises one or more elastic straps incorporated with the hook type fastener.
 12. The hat of claim 1, wherein the safety glasses are detachably secured to a brim of the hat.
 13. The hat of claim 1, wherein the neck shield is composed of an outer layer of nylon loop fabric, a center layer of EVA foam, and an inner layer of nylon tricot backing.
 14. The hat of claim 1, is made of polyester fabric.
 15. The hat of claim 1, wherein the mesh surface is made of polyester mesh.
 16. The hat of claim 1, wherein the mask is made of at least three layers of cotton to prevent intrusion of dust and debris.
 17. The hat of claim 1, wherein the mask is contoured to a shape of the wearer's face.
 18. The hat of claim 1, wherein the mask is made of a hypoallergenic fabric.
 19. The hat of claim 1, wherein the mask is made of a sunblock fabric. 